Jan. 22, 2014

Written by

Associated Press

LANSING — The Michigan House has voted to increase the penalty for soliciting sex from a minor, making it a felony with a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

State law now classifies it as a misdemeanor with a top sentence of 93 days in jail.

The House approved two bills today, sending them to the Senate for consideration.

Republican Rep. Dale Zorn of Ida, who sponsored one measure, said children who are forced into the sex trade need to be protected.

Republican Rep. Eileen Kowall of White Lake sponsored the other measure. She said sexual exploitation “is unacceptable at any age, but it is particularly terrible for those children who are forced into prostitution.”